MUST DO Experiences in Tuolumne County

December 8, 2017 | Jen Lopez

by Mackenzie Rodgers, Digital Content Coordinator

Bike to Lyons Reservoir: The Sugar Pine Interpretive Trail from Twain Harte to Lyons Reservoir is a friendly 4.8-mile trail of fairly flat terrain perfect for anyone to ride. Originally part of the Sugar Pine Railway used for logging, this historic trail will take you through a beautifully forested area featuring views of the South Fork Stanislaus River Canyon with the destination being Lyons Reservoir.

Yoga on Table Mountain: Table Mountain draws hikers, climbers, and yogis alike for it’s unique to California, tabletop-like volcanic plateau formation. The trailhead is located at the end of Shell Rd. in Jamestown. This rewarding hike’s destination is well worth the switch-backs and the views are truly serene! Best hiked in the spring and fall, this destination is a local favorite and overlooks the beautiful New Melones Lake. It is a perfect place to let go of life’s stressors and find relaxation in nature.

Discover your inner 49er at Columbia State Historic Park: This Wild West reenactment paradise will take you back in time to a much simpler era. Columbia State Historic Park offers walking tours, gold panning, stagecoach rides, excellent theatre, and unique dining. Try locally made sarsaparilla in an old saloon or have a tea party at a quaint tea house -there is fun for everyone. See their list of scheduled events to plan a trip around activities like a patriotic parade or even a ghost tour adventure!

Take a train ride through the foothills near Yosemite:Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown is your place for gold rush locomotive history and scenic train rides. Take a ride on the “Movie Star Train” that has been featured in many western films and even Back to the Future III. Take in the scenic beauty of the surrounding foothills. Although train rides occur on weekends April through October, there are special runs over winter holiday weekends. For best time of year to visit, we recommend springtime for their Wildflower Train rides. Learn about many flowers native to the region and witness a hillside super bloom like no other.

Hike in the Giant Sequoias:Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is a quieter destination on the outskirts of Yosemite. This 2.5-mile round trip from near Crane Flat is a great year-round adventure for hiking. The trail features iconic trees like the Tunnel Tree and the Red Giant, among many others. If you’re planning your trip in the winter and the conditions are permitting, be sure to stop at Yosemite Adventure Supplies in Groveland to get a pair of snowshoes fit for the experience ahead.

Kayak on Pinecrest Lake: Explore Pinecrest Lake and ignite your inner adventurer. Located in Tuolumne County’s High Sierra, this mountain lake is best experienced from the water. Bring your own kayak or rent one when you get there! The Pinecrest Lake Marina is open seasonally from late-April to mid-October (weather permitting) and has kayak rentals for affordable prices by the hour! Never been? The ‘Dock Crew’ is super friendly and always happy to give a quick overview on how to not flip your kayak over.

Visit our website to discover more things to do #OnlyInTuolumneCounty.